Student Handbook

Liberty Elementary

PARENT~STUDENT

HANDBOOK

2018-2019

SOARING – LEARNING – CARING -ACHIEVING

WELCOME TO LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

Greetings and welcome to Liberty Elementary School. Liberty provides a warm, caring and supportive learning environment for every student. Our school staff works collaboratively to ensure a comprehensive and challenging curriculum, and to provide a positive learning experience for your child. We support a teamwork approach to education, and believe that parents and guardians are an integral part of the educational team. We invite you to visit, volunteer, and participate in our various school events.

The Parent-Student Handbook was developed to acquaint you with our policies, procedures and programs. Please read over the handbook with your child, and keep it for future reference. Feel free to contact the office if you have any questions or concerns (208-854-5410). I look forward to meeting our new families and seeing familiar faces. Thank you for your support as we team together to provide a rich and inspiring education for all our students.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Weske

Principal

Liberty’s School Vision

Liberty Elementary School is a safe, positive, collaborative community that values academic and behavioral excellence. Professionals, paraprofessionals, students and parents work together to attain our common vision. We work to ensure maximum individual growth for all students in knowledge, reasoning and attitude, leading toward success and community participation as adults. Teachers match appropriate instructional methods to desired outcomes. A variety of assessment types, surveys, and reliable research are used to evaluate success, refine our vision, and define staff development.

2018-2019 Calendar

August 20 First Day of School - Early Release K-12

September 3 Labor Day - No School K-12

October 19 End of First Quarter - No School K-6

October 24 No Kindergarten classes - Parent Conferences

October 25 No K-6 Elementary classes - Parent Conferences

- Evening conferences will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 25

Supervision on our playground is provided before school begins at 8:15 AM. No one is allowed on campus before 8:15 AM, unless participating in a school sponsored activity. Please do not drop your child off or allow them to walk to school so that they are here before that time. This still allows them plenty of time to buy lunches and eat breakfast before the first bell rings at 8:40 A.M.

Students should go immediately to the playground areas on the side and back of the school building. Safety patrol and students eating breakfast must enter through the main front doors. At the bell ALL students will enter through their individual outside classroom doors.

ATTENDANCE

All students should be at school by 8:40 AM. Students are expected to come to school prepared for the day by bringing all necessary materials, books, assigned work and a positive attitude. Any student who arrives after the 8:45 tardy bell must report to the school office to receive a tardy slip before being admitted to class.

Students who total five tardies and/or absences in a quarter will receive a phone call or letter from the principal. The purpose of the call or letter is to notify the parents of our concern and reinforce the need to have students here on time.

When a student totals ten tardies and/or absences in a semester, parents will receive a phone call from the principal to discuss our continuing concerns. A conference may be scheduled at this time to develop a plan to assist in solving the problem of being late to school or missing excessive days.

The Board of Trustees of the Boise Independent School District approved the Attendance Policy and Procedures. It states that “all students are required to be in attendance at least ninety (90) percent of the time school is in session during each semester.” This means that students who miss more than nine (9) days in a semester or eighteen (18) days during the school year may be denied promotion to the next grade level.

If you know that your child is going to be absent or tardy, please notify the school office at 208-854-5410.

BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE PLANS

We believe all students are individuals and should be treated as such. Each disciplinary occurrence brings with it its own set of circumstances; therefore, will be treated as such. Our goal is to assist the students in making meaningful connections between their actions and the consequences that follow. Every disciplinary action will be guided by the following principles developed by our staff. Parents and students are encouraged to come in and discuss any action we take that they feel does not coincide with the list of principles we choose to follow.

Liberty School’s Driving Principles

Every attempt will be made to maintain the dignity and self-respect of both the student and the teacher.

Students will be guided and expected to solve their problems, or the ones they create, without creating problems for anyone else.

Students will be given opportunities to make decisions and live with the consequences, be they good or bad.

Misbehavior will be handled with natural or logical consequences instead of punishment, whenever possible.

Students will have the opportunity to tell their side of the story when consequences appear to be unfair.

Misbehavior will be viewed as an opportunity for individual problem solving and preparation for the real world as opposed to a personal attack on school or staff.

There should be a logical connection between misbehavior and resulting consequences.

Rules and Expectations Supporting the Orderly Operation of the School and the Educational Process

Rules and expectations covered in this section are designed to meet the following goals:

Maintain an orderly school operation.

Maintain optimal learning opportunities for students. School facilities and classrooms must be free of behaviors that interfere with teaching and learning.

Help students develop skills and behaviors necessary for healthy social interaction, both present and future.

Help students learn how their decisions affect the quality of their lives and the lives of others.

Help students develop responsibility and character.

Rules for Our School

Treat everyone (adults and students) with respect.

Your actions, dress, possessions, etc., may not cause a problem for anyone else.

Problem actions include, but are not limited to:

Using inappropriate language

Fighting or play fighting

Using violence or threatening others

Problems related to dress include, but are not limited to:

Shorts or skirts that do not reach the tips of your finger tips when your arms are straight to your side

Clothing promoting tobacco, alcohol or drug use

Spaghetti strap shirts, halter tops

Pants that are worn below the waist and or show underwear and wallet chains (considered gang attire)

Hats of any kind may not be worn in the building

Appropriate footwear should be worn for the season. Without appropriate footwear, you may not be able to participate in P.E. and may have parents called.

Problems related to possessions may include, but are not limited to:

Cell phones

Toys/Fidget Spinners

Electronic devices

Tobacco, drugs, or alcohol

If your actions, dress, or possessions cause a problem for anyone, you will be asked to solve that problem.

If you cannot or choose not to solve the problem, appropriate consequences will be determined by staff members. These consequences will depend upon the situation and the person or persons involved. Staff members will use their best judgment based upon the information they have at the time.

If students and/or parents feel that the consequences appear not to be fair, request a meeting. In the event that this discussion provides additional information that sheds different light on the situation, or shows the consequences to be unfair, the consequences may be changed or eliminated to better fit the unique situation.

White slips will be issued with the intention of student reflection and problem solving as well as communication among student, parents, and teacher.

If a student exhibits additional severe behaviors, the student will be considered for an individual behavior plan developed by the school team and parents. If the individual behavior plan does not correct behaviors, then additional actions will be necessary which may include, but not be limited to in school suspension, out of school suspension, an alternative placement, or expulsion.

In the event of severe and/or out of control behavior, the parent may be called to come to school and pick up their child. If the parent can not be reached a School Resource Officer and/or the Boise Police Department may be called.

Major disciplinary violations such as possession of weapons (including lighters, firecrackers, sharp objects, etc.), fighting, inappropriate language, defiance, disrespect, threats against persons (real or play), destruction of property, stealing, vandalism, de-pantsing, or other continual minor infractions will result in a referral to the principal. School suspension will be considered as a possible consequence.

Each classroom will establish a management plan that is appropriate to that particular group of students and meets the general building goals.

Eagle Feathers

At Liberty Elementary we first work toward rewarding positive behavior rather than punishing students for poor behavior. Our reward system fosters a sense of teamwork which enhances the greater learning community. Students and classes can earn Eagle Feathers to bank for a class reward as follows:

Individual students exhibiting good behavior (helping others, taking turns, solving problems peacefully, following school rules, using manners, etc.) can earn a light blue Eagle Feather worth one point to add to their class total. These feathers can be earned at assemblies, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the hallways and anywhere in the building. Any staff member may award an individual light blue Eagle Feather.

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES, and HEELY’S

All bikes, helmets, and scooters are to be placed in the bike corral. Each student is responsible for locking their bike/scooter. The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. Bikes and Scooters are to be walked on the school grounds before and after school. This is for the children’s protection. Bikes should be licensed and locked.

Skateboards and roller blades are to be carried once on school grounds and put in a safe place where they will not pose a potential hazard. These items are the responsibility of the student who brought them and the school cannot be responsible if they are lost or stolen. Heely’s are not to be worn at school.

BIRTHDAYS

The classroom teacher is responsible for establishing a procedure for celebrating birthdays in the room. Please check with the teacher before sending treats. Other ways for recognizing birthdays should also be discussed with the classroom teacher. Flowers or balloons should NOT be delivered to the school.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

A breakfast program is available for all students at Liberty School. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria beginning at 8:15 a.m. Students should enter through the main front doors. A variety of nutritious items are served each day.

BUS INFORMATION

Buses are provided for Liberty students who live off E. Amity Rd. First Student Bus Company transports these students to school. When riding the bus, students are expected to display good manners and follow the rules and directions of the driver so every trip will be a safe one. Riding the bus is a privilege and may be revoked due to discipline issues. While on the bus and being picked up, students are under the direction of the bus driver. If a student misbehaves on the bus, a Bus Conduct Report may be issued. Reports will be sent home to be signed and should be returned the next day. If you have any questions concerning routes or service, please call First Student Transportation at 854-5230.

Important:Please do not park in the bus zone in front of entry #2. This area is for BUS loading and unloading only.

BULLYING

Bullying is the repeated aggressive behavior or frightening of others with an intent to dominate. Bullying may include, but not be limited to, physical (hitting, pushing, or attacks on property); verbal (name calling, obscene gestures, malicious teasing, or electronic threats); or indirect attacks (intentional exclusion from groups, anonymous hurtful notes, or spreading false rumors). Bullying often occurs without apparent provocation. Bullying isnotplayful teasing between relatively equal individuals. Bullying is not peer conflict and disagreement.

Bullying should be reported at once to your classroom teacher, counselor, or principal. A thorough investigation of any allegation of bullying will occur. Discipline for bullying may involve actions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

For the complete policy on Bullying, Hazing and Harassment, please refer to District Policy #3231 which is available online at www.boiseschools.org

CANDY/GUM

Students are not allowed to chew gum at any location on the school grounds. Students who bring their lunches from home may have candy as part of their lunch and may eat it in the cafeteria. Students may not sell or trade candy or drinks at school.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND DRILLS

Fire drills and emergency evacuations are practiced on a regular basis to create an anticipated reaction during a school emergency. Questions concerning specific emergency drill procedures may be directed to the school office or the teaching staff.

In the event of an actual emergency, students will be dismissed ONLY TO A PARENT OR PREVIOUSLY DESIGNATED PERSON (written permission must be on file in the office). Information concerning the emergency will be released to the district and the local media. Parents will be notified as soon as possible. We are prepared to care for children in critical situations until a parent arrives. Please do not call the school, as we must have lines open for emergency calls. All emergency situations will be dealt with by following procedures established at the beginning of the year by the Liberty Emergency Response Team. A copy of this plan is available upon request at the school office.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

As required by state law, to be eligible for the first grade at the opening of school, a child must be six years of age before September 1 of the entrance year. Kindergarten students must be five years of age before September 1 of the entrance year.

Birth certificates and immunizations records are required of all new students entering the Boise School District. Both must be presented to the school at enrollment time and are returned to parents after necessary information is entered on school records.

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are held for the purpose of benefiting the educational needs of the school and/or students. Students are not allowed to promote any fundraiser activity on the school grounds that are not connected to this purpose. Students should not sell any items to other students at school.

(This includes private, religious, or scout troop fundraisers.)

HEALTH, ILLNESS AND FIRST AID

Nursing coverage at Liberty will be 2 days each week, with a health technician the other 3 days. The school nurse functions to promote improved health conditions for all students. This involves screening programs, supervision of sanitary regulations, participation in health education in the classrooms, and administration of first aid when needed. Parents/guardians will be notified of serious injuries/illness with their children.

Medications may not be given at school without the written consent of a parent or guardian. Forms are available from the school nurse. All medications must come to school in the original container with instructions for administering. Students are NOT allowed to have any form of medication on them without permission/documentation from the school nurse.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Extreme cold, rain, lightning, snow, freezing rain, and poor air quality are all types of inclement weather that can keep students inside before school and during recesses. It is our expectation that students will dress appropriately during the various seasons. To bring students inside because of bad weather will be determined by the principal or assistant principal. The safety of our students will be the deciding factor in the event of inclement weather. Specific recommendations are given for poor air quality, lightning and cold temperatures.

In the event that students need to come inside before school, our outside support personnel will direct students to go directly to their classroom door.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found items will be hanging out front on the fence. Found library books should be returned to the library. Money, textbooks, and other valuables should be taken to the office.

Please label your child’s clothing items and lunch boxes to help reduce the number of unclaimed items. Items not claimed after a certain length of time will be donated to those less fortunate.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Students may purchase lunches each morning before school. Please enter the building through the main front doors. Children may charge up to $15 in the cafeteria. If a child exceeds $15 in charges they will not be allowed to eat breakfast or lunch. The office has string cheese and crackers for any child that goes over the $15 limit. Applications for free or reduced lunch are available in the office.

Students will be purchasing lunches on account. They will be issued a scan card to use in the lunch line. Please help them to avoid student charges by providing money for these accounts. You may add money to your students account at www.mylunchmoney.com

MEAL PRICES:Students

Breakfast:$1.50

Lunch:$2.50

Milk: $.40

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

Parent-teacher conferences will be held in October, at the end of the first quarter grading period. Parents will be notified of scheduled dates and times. In order to meet the individual needs of their students, teachers must communicate progress with parents. Conferences make that communication possible. Parents are strongly urged to attend these conferences. If parents wish to schedule additional conferences during the school year, they may do so by contacting the classroom teacher.

Liberty encourages open communication and dialogue between families and teachers. If you would like to meet or talk with with your child's teacher, you must make an appointment with the teacher. By doing this, we protect the teacher’s time and ensure that they are available to me meet.

PARKING LOT

The pick up/drop off lane is only for quick pick ups and drop offs. You are NOT allowed to park and leave your vehicle in the pick up/drop off zone. Please keep the pick up/drop off zone moving and continue to pull forward to the very top of the zone.

If you need more time, please use the parking lot and cross to the school using the crosswalk.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students are discouraged from bringing valuables to school. Electronic equipment is permitted at school, but The school is not liable for any theft or damages. Laser pens and fidget spinners are not permitted at school. Personal items brought to school are under the supervision of the classroom teacher. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Toys from home are not allowed at school.

PHONE USE

Students and teachers will not be interrupted during class time to accept phone calls except in the case of an emergency. The school phone is a business phone and should not to be used to arrange to go home with a friend. A student must have a pass from his/her classroom teacher to use the office phone.

ELECTRONIC DEVICESStudents are allowed to bring electronic devices to school only if their teacher has given them permission to do so, however, electronics and phones must be put away between 8:40-3:15. Students must follow the electronics guidelines of their classroom. No teacher will require a student to have a personal electronic device but may give them an option to bring one if it would be beneficial for an academic assignment. If a teacher does give permission to bring a device, the student will only be allowed to use it in the classroom under the teacher’s supervision. Electronic devices are NOT allowed on the playground or in the lunchroom during school hours. The school cannot be responsible for damaged or stolen electronic devices.

As part of Liberty's Digital Citizenship, students should use all forms of technology in a respectful and responsible manner and at the teacher’s discretion. Respectful and responsible means:Never video or photograph without consent of all parties involved and content obtained at school should not be posted to social media without consentUse of any device with photo/video capabilities is banned in areas of assumed privacy (restroom)Never use another student’s device without consentDevices may only be used with teacher permission in classIndividuals should immediately report any form of cyber-bullying or inappropriate technology useHeadphones should not be in use during class without teacher permissionPersonal electronic devices including cell phones/headphones will not be allowed in the lunchroom or on the playground. Violation of any expectations above will result in the device taken away and returned only to a parent or guardian.

PICKING UP STUDENTS

If you are coming to school early to pick up your child, you need to come to the office and sign him/her out. Students are not allowed to be picked up directly from the classroom. We will call your child from the classroom to the office. Also, students are not allowed to leave school early with someone not listed on their enrollment form unless we have a signed note or receive a phone call from the parent or guardian. Please note if you contact the school after 3PM to pick your child up early it will be extremely difficult so please plan accordingly.

Note:Picture ID may be required to verify permission for student pick-up. If you have authorized another person to pick your child up after school, please let the classroom teacher know by note or phone call.

PRIVACY ACT

The Boise School District complies with federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) as it relates to the release of student directory information to the public. To learn more, log on to www.boiseschools.org click Forms and follow the links to FERPA – Release of Student Directory Information. Or, you may pick up a FERPA form at your school, or call the Clerk of the Board at 854—4123 to obtain a copy of the FERPA form.

PTA

Playground equipment, the fence along the driveway, class parties, educational assemblies, math & science programs, new computer equipment, smart boards, wireless keyboards, classroom listening systems, atlases and books are just a few of the things the PTA has provided for the benefit of the students at Liberty. Parent involvement is so important to a child’s education and one of the best ways to be involved is to join the PTA. Membership forms will be sent home with your child, or are available through the office.

SRO

In cooperation with the Boise School District, the Boise Police Department has given Liberty access to a School Resource Officer. The SRO may be utilized by the school if there is a safety/security concern with a student, parent, or as situations arise.

VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers must sign in at the office and receive a badge to be worn while at the school.

VISITING SCHOOL

When visiting school for a scheduled function or lunch, you must sign in and wear a badge at all times. If you would like to visit with a teacher, counselor, etc, you must have a prearranged appointment. Students are not allowed to bring friends, relatives or siblings to class.

WEAPONS

The Boise School District has “zero tolerance” for students who bring to school weapons or other objects/substances that are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members, or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process. Possession of, threatening use or using of these objects/substances at the elementary school or at any school-sponsored activity without prior permission of school officials, will result in the following course of action:

Administrative Procedure: Any or all personnel employed by the Boise School District at the elementary level having knowledge of students with weapons or other objects/ substances which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members, or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process shall notify the building principal immediately. The building principal shall conduct an investigation immediately and make the determination as to whether a school resource officer is to be contacted and a complaint filed and/or if an immediate suspension is in order. This suspension can be in-school or out-of-school as determined by the building principal with the understanding that the weapons, objects, and/or substances have been confiscated and, when necessary, turned over to the proper authorities for disposition. The elementary building principal, in cooperation with the appropriate Area Director, shall determine if sufficient cause exists for referral to the Board of Trustees for permanent expulsion.

Parents or guardians are to be contacted by phone, letter, or in person in an expedient and timely manner with detailed information regarding the incident(s).

All reports of weapons, objects, and/or substances which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members, or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process shall be written by the building principal and copies sent to the Area Director.

Thank you for taking the time to review our school handbook. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the office at 208-854-5410.

Have a wonderful school year!!

Signature Page

ATTENTION: Please sign and return this page to Liberty Elementary School

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